United midfielder Alex Mowatt is targeting a return to the personal of heights of 2014/15 as he prepares for the new season.

Mowatt was crowned United’s Player of the Year the season before last after hitting nine goals from 38 appearances, earning a call-up to the England Under-20s squad along the way.

The 21-year-old featured 36 times in all competitions last term, scoring stunning strikes in the victories over Cardiff City and Huddersfield Town, but Mowatt admits his form during 2015/16 wasn’t to his own satisfaction.

“Last season wasn’t a good season for me personally,” the midfielder said. “I’ve got to try and put that behind me and try to get back to the form I was at in the season before.

“Everyone has a fresh start with the new manager and everyone wants to impress. I’ve come back as fit as possible and hopefully I’ll have a good pre-season.

“I’m happy with the way the gaffer plays – it’s good for me because it’s my style of football. I was happy when the gaffer got the job.

“It’s a fresh start for me. I played in the position that I like to play in on Wednesday night at Shelbourne and I enjoyed it.

“I played out wide a lot last season – if I’m asked to play there I’ll always try and do a job for the team – but when I’m in the number 10 role, I feel like a different player.”

Reflecting on Wednesday’s 2-1 win over Shelbourne, in which Mowatt played the opening 60 minutes and assisted Hadi Sacko’s goal, the midfielder added: “There was some good passing and some good bits of play, but there was sloppiness as well and I think everyone was glad to get that rustiness out in the first game.

“We got the win as well, which is always good.

“We’ve had a team meeting about what we did wrong and things like that – there’s a lot to work on from the game.

“I feel quite fit but it’s only the first game. I enjoyed playing in the number 10 role but I was rusty as well.

“I thought I did some good things but I did some sloppy things as well.”

Discussing the pre-season tour of Ireland, which culminates with a friendly at Shamrock Rovers on Saturday afternoon, Mowatt added: “It’s been good.

“We’ve had double sessions and it’s been hard, but there are a lot of new players and it’s good to mix with them and get to know them.

“We’ve made some good signings – they’re good players that are different to what we’ve got here.

“It’ll be good to get a few more minutes under our belts on Saturday and hopefully everyone will look a little bit sharper.”

PRE-SEASON: LUTV have joined the United squad on their pre-season tour of Ireland to bring you live commentary of both friendly fixtures, match highlights, exclusive interviews, behind-the-scenes footage and much more from within the camp. Click here to subscribe now from just £1 per week!